Nicole Prefer models the paper dress creation by Monigle Associates, which fetched the highest auction bid, at the 3rd Annual ADCD Paper Runway Fashion Show on March 8.

The 3rd Annual ADCD Paper Fashion Runway Show featured unique paper creations by 31 local designers. Teams 'Birl and Goy,' 'I Am Red / She is Red,' and 'Barnhart' rounded out the Top 3 respectively.

This is the team that made it happen. Listed from left to right; Back row; Nicole Prefer, Kristi Neville, Steven Berry,
Jordan Carver, Mike Herburger. Front row; Emily Jacobson,
Karolyn Dowell, Nina Stockstill.

Paper Couture Fashions Take to Runway to Benefit Local Youth
31 Art Design Teams Contribute to Paper Walk-Off to Raise Funds for DAVA

DENVER -- Billed as a whimsical “glimpse into the fashion scene in Denver”, the Paper Runway Fashion Show on March 8 brought the unique dress creations of 31 local designers into a competition to benefit the Downtown Aurora Visual Arts.

The evening’s highlight featured models, both professional and citizens, dressed in the paper creations in a traditional runway showing, competing for the judges’ fancy.

The Art Director’s Club of Denver (ADCD) hosted the 3rd Annual show at the Oriental Theater, along with sponsorship support from Aveda and Planet Laboratories.

The 31 participating design teams, none of them necessarily fashion-trained by trade, were limited only by their imaginations and by the paper products donated from Xpedx, Unisource and Spicers Paper, as their only material. Fashions ranged from pretty and sweet to rock-star edgy, with even jewelry accents and shoes donning the paper look.

At the end of the show, the fashions were sold at auction, with the entry by Monigle Associates drawing the high bid of $500. The team of graphic designers from Monigle, located in Cherry Creek, estimates they invested as many as 325 volunteer hours in their creation.

“The ‘Pulp Faction’ as we affectionately dubbed our team had a heck of a time working with the quirks of the paper. It gives new light to the different mediums of art, and more importantly an appreciation of the collaborative spirit involved in putting together such an event,” remarked Mike Herburger, Senior Partner with Monigle.

The Paper Runway Fashion Show raised thousands of dollars for the Downtown Aurora Visual Arts. Known as DAVA, the non-profit art organization encourages youth to find and explore the power of art in their community. Since 1994, DAVA has actively involved hundreds of young people in free arts education to work towards a greater vision of community cultural development. Four teams with DAVA students, ages 7 to 14, participated in the competition.

“The arts have been proven to build self-esteem, promote healthy risk-taking and increase the connection to the community. This event was the full embodiment of the DAVA curriculum with students fully involved in every aspect of the competition, from drawing board to execution,” remarked Susan Jenson, Executive Director at DAVA. “We’re grateful to the ADCD and all those who contributed their efforts and talents in helping us extend our mission.”

The entry from Monigle placed in the Final 5 this year, with a design by Birl and Goy walking away with top honors.

About the Art Directors Club of Denver
The Art Directors Club of Denver, founded in 1955, is a local non-profit, multi-disciplinary creative organization focused on strengthening the creative community. Through education, workshops, showcase events and an annual design competition, ADCD's goal is to foster collaboration and inspiration among existing creatives, promote local talent and resources, and empower the next generation of creative professionals. For more information, visit www.adcd.com.